We really encourage our clients to recycle any packaging from their parcels and pallets, and we ourselves re-use a significant amount of material from boxes we hold on behalf of a client. This includes the cardboard itself but also a range of the foam inserts that protect their products. We know that this cardboard has only been used once so still has a great level of its structural integrity. This is the reason we say to be careful when re-using boxes or the cardboard, as the cardboard tends to get weaker the more times it is used to transport items. Always check that the type of cardboard is suitable for the weight of the item you are sending, the heavier the item the higher ply level of cardboard you should use, but more importantly always check the integrity. Look for holes, lots of creases and any crush damage as these will all lower overall strength of the box. If you need to start with a box of a certain size or shape but need to add more strength, you can always add thicker cardboard layers within and support the outer with tape. We’ve successfully used this technique for a number of items as it works better that making a box from pieces or cardboard, which never feels that it has enough overall strngth with joints being held predominantly with tape.

If you do ultimately have to dispose of your cardboard, please make sure you use the recycling option.

If you’d like any advice on packging, please feel free to get in touch.